Old alleys

Bukchon has a variety of attractions besides hanoks, including the unique alleys. Among them, Gyedong-gil road is particularly popular to tourists.

Gye-dong was formerly called “Jesaeng-dong,” after Jesaengwon, a public hospital for the poor, was built here in the Joseon Dynasty. In front of the Hyundai Building next to Anguk Station, you can find a stone sign with the words, “Site of Jesaengwon.” Beside it, you will see another stone sign with the words, "Ministry of Health and Welfare". It is interesting that the current ministry in charge of public health is located on the site of Jesaengwon, which treated the poor back in the old days.

Gye-dong is a reminiscent of Seoul in the 1970s and 1980s. You will see small restaurants with tiled roofs and shops with old handwritten signs, which attract tourists to this town.

In maze-like alleys on the sides of the road, you can see how local residents lead their daily lives in hanoks.

You can also visit hanok experience centers or join experience programs at craft workshops. Hanok Homestay Information Center, located in front of Jaedong Elementary School and across the Constitutional Court, provides information about hanok homestay and traditional culture programs. Why not stay overnight at a hanok to have more fun in Bukchon?